original MS, MagicGate, and 128x2 MS???

[lammer]

After purchasing the SJ-33 and wanting to use Kinoma, PhotoStand, etc. I figure I'll need a MS soon, I'm figuring I'll go with a 128MB stick, and keep it in all the time. My questions are:
1) without a case covering the opening for the MS is there a potential for the MS to come out unintentionally?
2) Does the MagicGate MS have any advantages over the original Sony MS? ie. speed?
3) Will the SJ-33 be compatible with the dual 128MB MS due out this month?
4) Since I'm in the Great White North and Dell does not deliver their great deals here can anyone recommend an alternative?
5) Any difference, other than price between Sandisk's 128MS and Sony's?
thanks!

[PaulNB]

Originally posted by lammer
After purchasing the SJ-33 and wanting to use Kinoma, PhotoStand, etc. I figure I'll need a MS soon, I'm figuring I'll go with a 128MB stick, and keep it in all the time. My questions are:

1) without a case covering the opening for the MS is there a potential for the MS to come out unintentionally?

It's possible if you bumped against it accidentally you could trigger the spring release. I owned a 760 before my SJ33 & only accidentally popped it out twice in 15 months & the stick seems to go further inside with the SJ33 so I don't think it'll be a problem. It doesn't fling the stick out when it happens, you'll hear the little "access" beep so you know it has to be pushed back in if it happens.

2) Does the MagicGate MS have any advantages over the original Sony MS? ie. speed?

The only advantage that I know of is that it allows you to encode MP3's in ATRAC3 format. For most people this isn't important so you can go with the regular stick & save yourself $$$.

3) Will the SJ-33 be compatible with the dual 128MB MS due out this month?

I read an article stating that the dual stick is compatible with the non MSpro devices. It's a kind of "peace" offering for people who won't be able to use the new MSpro sticks.

5) Any difference, other than price between Sandisk's 128MS and Sony's?
thanks!

I can't comment on that but I've got a Lexar 128MB stick which works perfectly fine. I've used it in 2 different Clie's now. It has it's own access lite which isn't needed with Clie's & it's translucent purple in color. The Lexar stick is currently $10 less ($119.99 vs 129.99) than Sony's same size stick, it was even less when I got mine on sale at the time.

[Mastervtec]

With the magicgate memory stick you can record in atrac format, thus fitting more music on the stick, however, when using atrac format many people get error messages that the song is write protected, and therefor it is more of a disturbance. I hope the duo will work with the older clies, as I have the t655c!!